Home / About Us / Press Room / Minnesota physicians’ plea to Minnesotans: Let the experts handle the fireworks this Fourth of July

Minnesota physicians’ plea to Minnesotans: Let the experts handle the fireworks this Fourth of July

June 25, 2024

As Independence Day approaches, Minnesota physicians are once again urging their fellow Minnesotans to leave the lighting of fireworks to the professionals.

“Take the safe route this Fourth of July and leave the fireworks up to the experts,” said MMA President Laurel Ries, MD. “As a doctor and a mother of young children, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to stay away from firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, and all those dangerous items. They are not toys and should not be treated as such. Even sparklers burn at more than 1,000-degree Fahrenheit and are responsible for many burns, especially in young children.”

According to the latest statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 10,200 fireworks-related injuries were treated in emergency departments in 2022. Eleven people died because of these injuries.  

Adults aged 25 to 44 experienced 36% of injuries, while children under the age of 15 accounted for 28%. At least 20% of injured children were bystanders.

The most frequently injured body sites were the face, hands, and eyes. Burns were the most common type of injury, accounting for more than half of all injuries. 20% of serious injuries were to the eyes; one third of which resulted in permanent blindness.  

“We all want to celebrate our country’s independence,” Ries said. “Fireworks are awesome, but they are also dangerous. Fireworks can result in severe burns, blindness, scars, and even death. Please leave them to the professionals who can take all the necessary safety precautions.”

###

About the Minnesota Medical Association
The Minnesota Medical Association is a non-profit professional association representing physicians, residents and medical students. With more than 10,000 members, the MMA is dedicated to being the leading voice of medicine to make Minnesota the healthiest state and the best place to practice.   

More Publications

Latest Press Releases

Minnesota Physicians Focus on Five Priorities for Legislative Session

February 11, 2026

The state’s largest advocacy group for Minnesota physicians and physicians-in-training will advocate for five key legislative priorities at the Capitol this session, which begins February 17. The group will hold its annual Physicians’ Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, March 4, bringing together physicians and physicians-in-training from across the state to meet with their elected officials.

“Dozens of healthcare-related bills go through the Capitol each session,” said Lisa Mattson, MD, the Minnesota Medical Association’s (MMA) president. “But to make an impact for patients and medical practice in Minnesota, we really need to focus our efforts on a few top issues.”

Minnesota Physicians Urge Congressional Delegation to Restrict ICE, CBP Activities in Healthcare Facilities and Other Sensitive Locations, and to Ensure Access to Medical Care at Detention Facilities

February 6, 2026

On February 5, the Minnesota Medical Association (MMA), along with several other physician advocacy groups, sent a letter to the Minnesota Congressional Delegation urging Congress, as a condition of ongoing funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to restrict U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) activities in or near healthcare facilities and other sensitive locations, and to hold DHS accountable for ensuring that detainees are provided with appropriate medical care, food, water, and other basic human needs.

MMA statement on CDC’s revision to childhood vaccine schedule

January 5, 2026

The Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) is deeply concerned with the recent decision by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to revise the childhood vaccine schedule. The changes add unnecessary confusion and uncertainty around vaccines that have been shown to be both safe and effective. Minnesota law continues to require evidence-based vaccinations for childcare and school attendance. The MMA urges parents and families to talk directly with their physicians about the critical role that childhood vaccines play in preventing serious disease and death, and in protecting the most vulnerable members or our communities.